University of Hawaii remembers John Griffin, award-winning journalist and UH alumnus

HONOLULU — University of Hawaiʻi alumnus and award-winning journalist John Griffin passed away Sunday at the age of 80.

Griffin got his start as a columnist and editor for the University of Hawaiʻi student newspaper, Ka Leo O Hawaiʻi, while pursuing an English degree. He went on to work as a reporter for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and a foreign correspondent for the Associated Press. He was hired at The Honolulu Advertiser to cover Hawaiʻi politics, and after a year-long absence to work for the Peace Corps, he became the editorial page editor, a position he held for 28 years before retiring.

"John Griffin was a good friend and mentor to me, and a tireless and discerning supporter of UH, his alma mater," said UH President David McClain. "I particularly valued his participation in the University Community Partnership these past 10 years, and his advocacy for UH's leadership in defining our state's international role. One of Hawaiʻi's brightest lights has gone dark, and we will all miss his vision, leadership and good humor."